How to Use motor and wheels: Examples, Pinouts, and Specs

• The motor and wheels assembly is a fundamental component for building mobile robotic systems. It typically consists of a DC motor or stepper motor attached to wheels, enabling movement and navigation. This setup is widely used in robotics, remote-controlled vehicles, and automation projects.
• Common applications include robotic cars, conveyor systems, automated guided vehicles (AGVs), and educational robotics kits.

• Motor Type: DC motor or stepper motor (varies by model)
• Operating Voltage: 3V to 12V (typical for DC motors)
• Current Rating: 100mA to 2A (depending on motor size and load)
• Wheel Diameter: 65mm (common size, may vary)
• Torque: 0.2 Nm to 1 Nm (varies by motor)
• Speed: 100 RPM to 300 RPM (depending on voltage and load)

For a DC motor with a motor driver (e.g., L298N), the pin configuration is as follows:

1. Connecting the Motor and Wheels:

   • Attach the wheels securely to the motor shaft using screws or press-fit mechanisms.
   • Ensure the motor is mounted on a stable chassis or frame to prevent misalignment during operation.

2. Wiring the Motor to a Driver:

   • Connect the motor terminals to the output pins (OUT1 and OUT2) of the motor driver.
   • Connect the input pins (IN1, IN2) of the motor driver to the GPIO pins of a microcontroller (e.g., Arduino UNO).
   • Provide appropriate power to the motor driver (VCC and GND).

3. Controlling the Motor with Arduino:

   • Use the following sample code to control the motor's direction and speed:

// Define motor driver pins
const int IN1 = 9;  // Motor direction control pin 1
const int IN2 = 10; // Motor direction control pin 2
const int ENA = 5;  // PWM pin for speed control

void setup() {
  // Set motor driver pins as outputs
  pinMode(IN1, OUTPUT);
  pinMode(IN2, OUTPUT);
  pinMode(ENA, OUTPUT);
}

void loop() {
  // Rotate motor forward at 50% speed
  digitalWrite(IN1, HIGH); // Set IN1 high
  digitalWrite(IN2, LOW);  // Set IN2 low
  analogWrite(ENA, 128);   // Set speed (0-255, 128 = 50%)

  delay(2000); // Run for 2 seconds

  // Rotate motor backward at 75% speed
  digitalWrite(IN1, LOW);  // Set IN1 low
  digitalWrite(IN2, HIGH); // Set IN2 high
  analogWrite(ENA, 192);   // Set speed (0-255, 192 = 75%)

  delay(2000); // Run for 2 seconds

  // Stop the motor
  digitalWrite(IN1, LOW);  // Set IN1 low
  digitalWrite(IN2, LOW);  // Set IN2 low
  analogWrite(ENA, 0);     // Set speed to 0

  delay(2000); // Wait for 2 seconds
}

4. Important Considerations:
   • Always check the motor's voltage and current ratings to avoid damage.
   • Use a motor driver or H-bridge circuit to safely control the motor with a microcontroller.
   • Ensure the power supply can handle the motor's startup current, which is typically higher than its running current.

1. Motor not spinning:

   • Check the wiring connections between the motor, driver, and microcontroller.
   • Ensure the power supply voltage matches the motor's requirements.
   • Verify that the enable pin (ENA) is receiving a PWM signal or is set to HIGH.

2. Motor spins in the wrong direction:

   • Swap the connections of IN1 and IN2 on the motor driver.
   • Adjust the logic in your microcontroller code to reverse the direction.

3. Motor speed is inconsistent:

   • Check for loose connections or insufficient power supply.
   • Ensure the PWM signal is stable and within the correct range.

4. Motor overheats:

   • Reduce the load on the motor or use a motor with a higher torque rating.
   • Ensure the motor is not running at its maximum voltage for extended periods.

• Can I use this motor and wheels with a Raspberry Pi? Yes, but you will need a motor driver or H-bridge circuit to interface the motor with the Raspberry Pi's GPIO pins.

• What type of power supply should I use? Use a power supply that matches the motor's voltage rating and provides sufficient current (e.g., 12V, 2A for a typical DC motor).

• How do I calculate the required torque for my application? Torque depends on the load and wheel size. Use the formula:
  Torque (Nm) = Force (N) × Radius (m)
  where Force is the weight or resistance the motor needs to overcome.

• Can I control multiple motors with one Arduino? Yes, you can control multiple motors using a multi-channel motor driver (e.g., L298N or L293D). Ensure the Arduino has enough GPIO pins for all motor control signals.